A Columbia native and graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, Russell (Rusty) Sox has been a valuable member of our arts community through his commitment to the South Carolina Arts Commission and involvement in many other arts organizations around town. Rusty is the Senior Manager for Program Development at SCAC, as well as their Program Director for the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Governor’s Awards for the Arts. His dedication can be witnessed through his constant involvement as a performer and supporter for the arts. We were able to sit down with Rusty to learn more about what motivates him and his work.

What role have the arts played in your life, both as an artist and administrator?
“I have been involved in arts ever since I was a child. I was always encouraged by my parents to pursue creative activities, and I naturally gravitated towards music. Music has been a part of my life through church choirs, school choirs, band etc. I did take a break from music while I was in college; however, after that, I took part in many choral productions. I also love dabbling in community theatre in Columbia. I love being onstage and performing among other artists who are accomplished in their craft.”

What brought you to the South Carolina Arts Commission?
“Before the arts commission, I was a public relations director at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, where I joined a team that commissioned and procured art. Through that position, I was able to make contacts that led me to my position at SCAC, which I started in 2000. I wanted to join the agency because of their commitment to strengthening the arts community. I find it valuable to keep that going and am very thankful to be on the staff of this agency.”

What art forms do you most frequently engage in?
“Well, I have been a proud member of the Sandlapper Singers for the past 16 years or so. I appreciate the group’s ability to sing difficult and high quality music together. I also will be involved with USC Opera’s production of Così Fan Tutte which opens in February. In the past, I have been involved in numerous community theatre shows around town, but my busy schedule has kept me from being involved as much as I want to.”

Who are some of your favorite artists and why do they inspire you?
“Great singers inspire me. I am fond of the mezzo-soprano opera singer, Denyce Graves, who I actually had the pleasure of meeting two years ago at a conference. Also, I am a fan of Lady Gaga and her album with Tony Bennett in particular. That album shows what a great voice and strong talent she is, and how she can hold her own around other talented artists. I am also greatly inspired by other members of our arts community. I find that I learn the most when I am surrounded by accomplished artists, artists like Lillian Quackenbush, Cindy Flach, Ellen Schlaefer, Jim Patterson, the list goes on. I learn something new every time she (Quackenbush) raises her arms to conduct, and every time I have worked under his (Patterson) brilliant direction.”

Where in Columbia would we find you in your downtime?
“I love going to Michael’s Café and Catering on Main street across from the Nickelodeon. I just sit outside and enjoy a nice glass of wine. Also, I enjoy designing and making my own line of artisan bowties that I sell at craft shows like the upcoming Crafty Feast in December, and online at www.titanicalley.com.”

Rusty’s involvement in the arts as both leader and participant helps to further strengthen the already vibrant community we have in Columbia today.

By Sirena Dib